Bee Curious's Newsletter

Bee Curious's Newsletter explores various facets of Japanese culture, history, and innovation, touching on traditional practices, modern developments, and scientific achievements. It delves into the origins and impact of cultural elements like sweets and tea, the evolution of technology and space exploration, and embraces the artistic and philosophical reflections within Japanese society.

Japanese Culture and History Science and Technology in Japan Art and Literature Environmental Sustainability Japanese Innovations and Brands Philosophy and Spirituality

The hottest Substack posts of Bee Curious's Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Brainless Genius: Slime Molds and the Tokyo Railway System

59 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Tokyo's efficient railway system was influenced by slime molds, showcasing nature's impact on technology.
  2. Biologically-inspired methods like the Physarum solver offer efficient route finding for complex networks.
  3. Slime molds exhibit memory and intelligence, adapting behavior to environmental changes, hinting at unique biological capabilities.

Japan in Space: Exploring JAXA's 3 Missions

39 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. JAXA's Hayabusa Missions have collected asteroid samples for research on Solar System's formation
  2. JAXA's Kibo Module on the International Space Station is a notable achievement
  3. The Akatsuki Mission to Venus by JAXA explores Venus' atmosphere and climate

Nozawa Onsen

39 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Nozawa Onsen in Japan is a popular destination for snowboarding and relaxing in hot springs.
  2. The town is famous for its free traditional public baths and exceptional ski resort that hosted events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
  3. Experiencing snowboarding in Nozawa Onsen can be challenging due to icy conditions, but the rejuvenating hot springs and delicious local cuisine make the trip memorable.

Japanese Erotica

59 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. Japanese culture embraces nudity in communal hot baths as a form of relaxation and social interaction.
  2. In Japan, views on sex and marriage differ from other countries, with a more open attitude towards natural human feelings.
  3. Shunga, a form of erotic art in Japan, emerged from the ukiyo-e movement and aimed to normalize sex but faced periods of censorship.

From Portugal to Japan: The Castella Cake Odyssey

59 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. Sweets from Japan were influenced by Portuguese trade.
  2. Sugar's journey from India to Japan is a fascinating history.
  3. Varieties of traditional Japanese sweets like Castella and Konpeito have deep cultural roots.
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From Ancient Roots to a Changing Future: The Story of Rice

59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Consumption of uniform food globally increases vulnerability to diseases that affect crop production.
  2. Wet rice farming originated in China around 5000 BCE and is more productive and sustainable.
  3. Rice in Japan is more than a dietary staple, it is deeply integrated into the culture and societal norms, with significant historical and cultural ties.

Otagaki Rengetsu: The Heroic and Gentle Buddhist Nun (Part 1)

39 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
  1. Otagaki Rengetsu was a 19th-century Buddhist nun celebrated for her poetry and life story.
  2. Despite facing hardships and misfortunes in her life, Rengetsu found solace and honesty in poetry.
  3. Rengetsu's journey from a troubled marriage to embracing her path in the pursuit of ancient virtue is inspiring.

Why Green Tea Is Declining in Japan?

39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. Green tea consumption in Japan is declining due to a variety of beverage options and a shift away from traditional tea-drinking practices.
  2. There has been a decrease in the culture of brewing tea at home, leading to a significant drop in tea consumption in Japan.
  3. Tea companies in Japan are innovating to make green tea more appealing to younger generations through products like Arabikicha and creative fusions like matcha gelato.

Space Elevator from JSEA

19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. The concept of a space elevator involves a cable-based lift connecting Earth and space for safer and cleaner transportation.
  2. Carbon nanotubes are a strong cable material discovered in 1991, enabling the potential construction of space elevators.
  3. The space elevator could significantly reduce costs and revolutionize space access, benefiting industries like solar power generation, space tourism, and zero gravity research.

Zen Reflections: 10 Bulls

19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. Zen teachings offer profound insights into philosophical and spiritual growth
  2. The journey of self-discovery and inner peace through Zen is a timeless human pursuit
  3. Ancient wisdom from Zen practices like the '10 Bulls' series continue to enrich modern understanding

Brand Insights: Uniqlo/GU, Yamato, Kumamon and Imabari Logos

19 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
  1. Uniqlo and GU are sister brands under Fast Retailing but focus on different aspects - Uniqlo on timeless basics and GU on trendy fashion.
  2. The Yamato Group, known for its black cat logo, emphasizes innovation and customer service in its transportation services.
  3. Kumamon is not just a mascot but a successful public relations figure for Kumamoto Prefecture, employing a strategy of surprise, story, and share.

Enya Honami: Illustrating Public Bath Culture

19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Enya Honami's illustrations depict the nuances of public baths and have gained significant media attention.
  2. Enya uses an isometric architectural style and delicate watercolors in her artwork.
  3. Enya's work showcases various public baths, each with unique characteristics and histories.

Otagaki Rengetsu: The Heroic and Gentle Buddhist Nun (Part 2)

19 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. Otagaki Rengetsu made a significant decision to remarry after her husband's death to carry on the Otagaki name.
  2. Despite facing immense personal tragedies, Rengetsu found solace in pottery and poetry, showcasing her resilience and creativity.
  3. Rengetsu's life story exemplifies perseverance, overcoming societal challenges, and leaving behind a legacy of inspiring art and lessons.

Japan: The Vending Machine Wonderland

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. Japan has an extensive vending machine culture, with approximately 4.94 million machines across the country.
  2. Vending machines in Japan offer a diverse range of products beyond just drinks, such as frozen foods, cosmetics, and even gourmet meals like ramen.
  3. Factors contributing to the popularity of vending machines in Japan include safety features, convenience in using 100 yen coins, and innovations like ticket vending machines.

Minamata: From Polluted to an Eco-City

1 HN point • 07 Nov 23
  1. Minamata Disease is a type of methylmercury poisoning that leads to severe neurological symptoms.
  2. Chisso Corporation was held accountable for causing Minamata Disease and had to pay substantial compensation.
  3. Minamata City has transformed into an Eco-City, focusing on environmental care and sustainability initiatives.

I'm Moving to Paragraph.xyz

0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Bee Curious newsletter is moving from Substack to Paragraph.xyz.
  2. Paragraph.xyz offers more innovative monetization options for writers.
  3. Moving to Paragraph.xyz has helped Bee Curious see rapid growth in subscribers.

Medical Artificial Intelligence in Japan

0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Healthcare Innovation Diagnostics Policy
  1. Japan has been integrating AI into healthcare since about 15 years ago. This started as a move to tackle issues related to an aging population.
  2. The government is now focused on using AI to create 'AI hospitals' and improve patient care. This includes tools for diagnostics and automating tasks to help healthcare workers.
  3. A big breakthrough is using AI to detect pancreatic cancer early. Early detection is crucial since this type of cancer is usually diagnosed too late when it's harder to treat.

The Legend : Yayoi Kusama

0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Feminism Japan Activism
  1. Yayoi Kusama is famous for her polka dots and colorful art. She is also known for her big sculptures, especially a pumpkin that stands out.
  2. Kusama has faced many challenges, including mental health issues, but she has turned her struggles into powerful art. Her work often carries messages of love and peace, even reflecting on topics like feminism.
  3. At 95 years old, Kusama continues to create art that inspires people around the world. She started making art as a way to cope with her childhood experiences and has since become a leading figure in the art world.